Abstract

The high resolution magnetic field data of Monguno and environs (data maps 066, 067, 089 and 090) of the Nigerian Chad (Bornu) Basin were structurally interpreted to investigate the hydrocarbon and solid mineral implications of the basin by determining the magnetic basement depth and delineating the basement morphology, the relief and other structural features associated with the area and their trends employing Oasis Montaj version 7.5.1 (U4) software. The study area is part of the Nigerian Chad Basin and it is bounded by Longitude 12° 30’ 00’’ to 13° 30’ 00’’ East and Latitude 11° 30’ 00’’ to 12° 45’ 00’’ North. The aeromagnetic data were subjected to 3D Euler Deconvolution and Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) techniques quantitatively and several data enhancement/transformation techniques qualitatively. The results of the Euler Deconvolution depth map revealed a depth range of between 546 to 6418 m and the Euler 3D surface map revealed a depth up to 8500 m with a well depressed basement in a linear distribution capable of trapping hydrocarbons within latitude coordinates of 1340000 N and 1360000 N. The SPI technique shows a basement depth of 4231 m. The results of qualitative interpretation also indicate the occurrence of subsurface linear structures which suggests the presence of faults/fractures within the basement, presence of intrusive bodies and dominant lineament trend of northeast southwest (ENE-WSW) direction. In terms of mineralization and hydrocarbon potentials, the results are very useful for they provide favorable loci for mineralization and suggest possible occurrence of hydrocarbons in the area with reasonable basement depths.

Key words: Chad Basin, aeromagnetic data, Oasis Montaj, hydrocarbons, Euler Deconvolution, basement depth.